White Sand, Volume 3

White Sand #3

by Brandon Sanderson, Rik Hoskin, Fritz Casas (Artist)

Underpowered and overwhelmed, Kenton tries to hold the Sand Masters together as forces political and personal conspire against them. Now, in one final push, Kenton must tap the most dangerous depths of his own abilities to combat the enemies within his own guild, and discover the truth behind the ambush that killed his father and almost destroyed the Sand Masters for good.

Genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Comics, Fiction, High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Audiobook

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 2019

About the author

I’m Brandon Sanderson, and I write stories of the fantastic: fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers.

Defiant, the fourth and final volume of the series that started with Skyward in 2018, comes out in November 2023, capping an already book-filled year that will see the releases of all four Secret Projects: Tress of the Emerald Sea, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and Secret Project Four (with its official title reveal coming October 2023). These four books were all initially offered to backers of the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time.

November 2022 saw the release of The Lost Metal, the seventh volume in the Mistborn saga, and the final volume of the Mistborn Era Two featuring Wax & Wayne. The third era of Mistborn is slated to be written after the first arc of the Stormlight Archive wraps up.

In November 2020 we saw the release of Rhythm of War—the fourth massive book in the New York Times #1 bestselling Stormlight Archive series that began with The Way of Kings—and Dawnshard (book 3.5), a novella set in the same world that bridges the gaps between the main releases. This series is my love letter to the epic fantasy genre, and it’s the type of story I always dreamed epic fantasy could be. The fifth volume, Wind and Truth, is set for release in fall 2024.

Most readers have noticed that my adult fantasy novels are in a connected universe called the Cosmere. This includes The Stormlight Archive, both Mistborn series, Elantris, Warbreaker, and various novellas available on Amazon, including The Emperor’s Soul, which won a Hugo Award in 2013. In November 2016 all of the existing Cosmere short fiction was released in one volume called Arcanum Unbounded. If you’ve read all of my adult fantasy novels and want to see some behind-the-scenes information, that collection is a must-read.

I also have three YA series: The Rithmatist (currently at one book), The Reckoners (a trilogy beginning with Steelheart), and Skyward. For young readers I also have my humorous series Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, which had its final book, Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians, come out in 2022. Many of my adult readers enjoy all of those books as well, and many of my YA readers enjoy my adult books, usually starting with Mistborn.

Additionally, I have a few other novellas that are more on the thriller/sci-fi side. These include the Legion series, as well as Perfect State and Snapshot. There’s a lot of material to go around!

Good starting places are Mistborn (a.k.a. The Final Empire), Skyward, Steelheart,The Emperor’s Soul, and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians. If you’re already a fan of big fat fantasies, you can jump right into The Way of Kings.

I was also honored to be able to complete the final three volumes of The Wheel of Time, beginning with The Gathering Storm, using Robert Jordan’s notes.

Sample chapters from all of my books are available at brandonsanderson.com—and check out the rest of my site for chapter-by-chapter annotations, deleted scenes, and more.

Reviews

[Petrik · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars

This was better than the previous book, but overall,the quality of this series—the adaptation, to be more precise—was a huge disservice towards Sanderson’s imagination.

I’ve said what I needed to say before; Sanderson is one of my favorite authors of all time, and my criticisms regarding the previous volumes of White Sand still holds true in this final volume. It’s odd; when I’m reading Sanderson’s Cosmere novels, I tend to think that his novels would’ve worked really well in manga/anime format. However, that’s not the case with White Sand adaptation; maybe, in the end, it all comes down to the adaptation itself being a mess. I mean, the characterizations weren’t fleshed out at all, the changes in art directions felt off, and the dialogues weren't engaging. This adaptation relied heavily on poorly paced dialogues and the artworks weren’t enough to give justice towards the deep characterizations,magic system, world-building, and complexities usually contained in Sanderson’s Cosmere novels.

I’m just glad this series is finally over. Frankly speaking, if it weren’t for completion's sake (I have to read everything Cosmere related okay) and the fact that there are no more Cosmere novels for me to read at the moment, I really wouldn’t have bothered with reading this. Overall, White Sand graphic novel adaptions was a disappointment for me, and I hope in the future Sanderson will consider who he lent his work to adapt his brilliant imaginations more because right now, I truly believe that reading the manuscript of his unpolished WhiteSand would bring a better experience than this.

Series Review:

White Sand, Volume 1: 3.5/5 stars
White Sand, Volume 2: 1/5 stars
White Sand, Volume 3: 2.5/5 stars

White Sand: 7/15 stars

You can find the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions

[Jonathan O'Neill · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 ⭐

White Sand, Volume 3 is marginally better than the previous instalment

Marginally in the same way that it would be marginally better for your wife to cheat on you with a stranger and not with your best mate. That is to say, it’s still shit beyond measure and you’re left angry and disappointed, but you won’t lose any friends over it.

I don’t have much to say that I haven’t already said in my ‘White Sand, Volume 2’ review.

The plot is unbearably boring.

The art is a C+ at best (at least they didn’t change the artist in the Final Chapter this time).

The dialogue is uninspired.

At it's best, this is a poor, sick and dishevelled man’s Dragon Ball Z.

At it's worst, it's a reverse kanga on the Graphic Novel landscape.


White Sand, Volume 1 - 1.5 ⭐

White Sand, Volume 2 - 1 ⭐

[Anna [Bran. San. Stan] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been noticing a trend: people who have solely read and rated the graphic novel generally give this few stars (understandably so), while the few people on here who have listened to the adaptation enjoy Sanderson’s story in a format more fitting to his imagination. (He himself said that he doesn’t think the graphic novel manages to convey his world building adequately.) Do yourself a favor and get the GraphicAudio production (also available on audible). It might cost you three credits but they are so worth it!

You might also want to wait until the remastered omnibus is released if you want the graphic novel experience. From what I’ve seen in the Indiegogo campaign, the new look is really cool, more aesthetically pleasing and hopefully does manage to show off the world building better. I’m really excited to read it! And I really hope to see more of Kenton, Aarik, Khriss, and Baon - no matter if on Taldain or somewhere else in the Cosmere!

[EveStar91 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leadership is a burden.

Kenton, Khriss, Ais and Aarik all face difficulties in their chosen paths, growing into leadership and the responsibilities that come with their positions, as well as the tough choices they sometimes have to make in White Sand, Volume 3.

The final volume in the White Sand graphic novel series, this book sees several threads tied off, but also raises a few interesting questions on the magic system and the world-building. The character conflicts and plot arcs come to a head in the finale, with good foundations in the previous volumes and on the whole, there is a lot more action and plot twists here.

I read the unpublished prose version long ago, which can be accessed by emailing the author or signing up for his newsletter. It's been fun to read it again in this format, especially seeing the art around the magic system using, if you guessed it, white sand, but can't comment on the graphic aspects and structuring of the novel as I don't usually read this medium.

Recommended for anyone interested in Brandon Sanderson's work and the Cosmere worlds, though I would have probably appreciated a polished version of the prose novel itself, generally preferring characters' thoughts and background to visual depictions focusing on action.

🌟🌟🌟1/4
[Half star for the premise; 3/4 star for the characters; 3/4 star for the plot; 3/4 star for the world-building; Half star for the writing/ graphics - 3 1/4 stars in total.]

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best book of the series in my opinion. Brandon wrapped up just about all the story lines in a convincing and satisfying way. I'm still not enjoying the artwork. It gets the job done. The story is good, but for some reason it does drag a little for me. I don't think it's the story, I think it's simply the form. I don't know that a comic is the best way to convey this story across. I feel like details and connections were dropped.

I am impressed with how our protag saved the Diem and got all the votes he needed. It was well earned and well done. All the characters seemed to have acted from their own space and for their own purposes. I don't know if this is a 3 volumes and done, or if there is actually more story coming. It does feel like there is a door open for the story to go forward. What is dayside like?

This is about an underdog succeeding. It is a satisfying arc. I am looking to really dive into Brandon's work and this was a good place to jump off from. It was a great idea well executed.

[Wera · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars
*White-Sand spoilers ahead*

Story : ★★★.5
The story improved drastically over these three volumes. There were a lot of emotional and powerful moments here. Two that especially stood out to me as done very well were the battle between Drile and Kenton and the moment when Ais votes for the Diem. These moments wove the story, art, and writing together very well and actually made me really enjoy this third moment. The story itself was left quite unresolved. Although I didn't love this graphic novel series, I did enjoy it enough. If more will come out, I will be sure to pick them up. I am interested in seeing Darkside, exploring religion, finding out how Khriss becomes a world-hopper etc. I literally also just realised that Hoid made an appearance at the end when Baon shows a HUGE affinity for sand mastery. Overall, story was enticing and much better than previous instalments. That being said, there were a bunch of small moments that I really didn't care about. For example: Aarik turning all dark and emo. Like ok, but why then does nothing change later anyway? He turns and disappears. This is why I hope there is a Volume 4, I need explanations and more "fleshing out" of characters, the world, and other plot-lines.

Writing : ★★★.25
This is yet another aspect that kept improving. Where it was the worst by far element of the first volume, it is a strong element. The language is purposeful. Most of the dialogue is engaging and doesn't sound/seem fake. The writing's placement was also useful when it came to creating emotional moments and explanations that didn't seem like what happened in the first volume. Nice improvement.

Art : ★★★
I really have nothing new to add here, for thoughts see my review of Volume 2. (scroll down)

-----------------------
Books in Cosmere:
Mistborn: Era 1
#1 The Final Empire: ★★★.5
#2 The Well of Ascension: ★★★★.25
#3 The Hero of Ages: ★★★★.5
Era 2
#1 The Alloy of Law: ★★★
#2 Shadows of Self: ★★★.25
#3 The Bands of Mourning: ★★★.5

Novellas / Short-Stories:
Mistborn: Secret History: ★★★★.25
The Emperor's Soul: ★★★★.25

Standalones:
Elantris: ★★★.5
Warbreaker: ★★★.75

The Stormlight Archive:
#1 The Way of Kings: ★★★★★
#2 Words of Radiance: ★★★★.75

White Sand:
#1 Volume One: ★★
#2 Volume Two: ★★★
#3 Volume Three: ★★★.25

[Jenny Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kyriaki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

Μου άρεσε περισσότερο από τον δεύτερο τόμο αλλά λιγότερο από τον πρώτο.
Ο πρώτος τόμος νιώθω μου έδωσε υποσχέσεις που εν τέλει δεν εκπληρώθηκαν. Ή μπορεί απλά εγώ να ήθελα παραπάνω πράγματα από την ιστορία. Δεν ήταν κακό, μια χαρά ήταν, απλά η πλοκή μου φάνηκε λίγο φτωχή και θα ήθελα να είχε πάει λίγο παραπέρα.
Ξέρω ότι δεν υπάρχουν σχέδια για συνέχεια αλλά εγώ θα ήθελα να δω κι άλλα πράγματα από αυτόν τον κόσμο καθώς θεωρώ ότι είχε πολλές δυνατότητες αλλά δεν αξιοποιήθηκαν και πολλά πράγματα έμειναν ανεξερεύνητα!

Τώρα όσο αναφορά το σχέδιο....σε γενικές γραμμές μου άρεσε! Δεν υπήρχαν οι κουραστικές λεπτομέρειες που είχε το πρώτο (κατα τη γνώμη μου βελτιώθηκε και η γκαρνταρόμπα της Khriss) αλλά για να είμαι ειλικρινής υπήρχαν φορές που μου έλειπαν, κυρίως στις σκηνές που είχαμε έλεγχο της άμμου, γιατί νομίζω τις έκανε πιο εντυπωσιακές.

[Juraj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best of the three volumes. Art is better than the last chapter of Vol. 2, though I did prefer the original artist of Vol.1 and 2. Dialogues are somewhat improved. They're not as cringe anymore, except for Ais's inner thoughts. She's set up for a sequel which I will surely not touch.

[André Oliveira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely the best of the trilogy in my opinion.
My overall feeling after finishing this trilogy is confusion. I would 100% prefer to read this as a full novel. There were so many names and locations in so few pages!

[Manisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was unsure whether my lack of enjoyment of the series stemmed from the story being lacking or whether it was due to Brandon Sanderson’s work not being effectively translated into a graphic novel format. As I have completed this series, I can safely assume that it is a bit of both.

Elantris was my least favourite Sanderson story… until now. Considering the fact that my love for Sanderson’s work increases with each new book, I think the story of White Sands, although a compelling premise, is not as well-thought out, interesting, fun or brilliant as his later works.

The story would have benefited more from being a full fledged book series instead of being condensed into a heavy, confusing mess that was this graphic novel series.

Images and a few thought bubbles is not enough to convey the complex thought process of his characters, nor the intricate world and it’s magical rules.

Personally, I don’t believe that Brandon Sanderson can shine through the graphic novel format.

[nika.ex.libris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I liked the vibe and the idea, but it was kind of boring

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very strong comic. The story may not be totally unique, but it is pulled off well and it is definitely a trademark Sanderson. Happy ends and all. :)

All the threads are tied up and while it is left open for continued adventures, the core story was very satisfying.

My only complaint? I DO want more. :) But then, Sanderson's tales are perfect for that, no?

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brandon Sanderson's first novel, never before published, rewritten as a graphic novel. Our main character is Kenton, a sand mage of little power but great control. He's recently taken over the leadership of the Sand Masters guild and is struggling to win the approval of the other guilds before they can vote to disband the guild. Sanderson still provides us with a highly detailed, fully realized world, it's just that it is mostly presented to you visually instead of in words. The art is quite good. There's definitely some nice world building here. I think my enjoyment of the books would have improved had I read the entire story at once, instead of each volume being a year apart. There's a lot of characters to maintain track of and new words to remember the meaning of.

Received a review copy from Dynamite and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the better on of the three. Even if not that good, there was more action, some characters finally grow a personality and the story evolve a bit more. Unfortunately the art was not able to pass the action scene at a high enough level and some parts of the story just seem very repetitive. I thoughts it was suppose to be a third volume series but the ending seem to have place for a continuity, which if it happens, I won't continue with, I've seen what I want to see with this series...

[Clare Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listeennnnnnn....Brandon Sanderson is one of my favorite authors of all time, but reading this just told me I really gotta go back to reading his books because this was just...NOT IT YA’LL. I truly think that Sanderson’s work is just too big for something like a graphic novel, even if it is 3 volumes. I felt constantly lost during this third one, and the pacing was super off. I was constantly going “uh who? Uh what? Uh HOW?” the entire time.

Also, the freaking characters were like white sand like IDK they just didn’t stick out to me at all. The one guy I liked (honestly don’t remember his name all of the names start with K or D in this and THEY ALL SOUNDED THE SAME) randomly turned into like a totally different person with zero explanation?? Basically, I think if someone had picked this up to be published as a book-book, it probably wouldn’t have been my favorite Sanderson book (I mean it’s the first thing he ever wrote, the story isn’t going to be as grand or developed as today’s stuff), but it would have been so much better. I would have really seen the world and the characters, and in this format I never really felt any development whatsoever.

The only reason I read this was to finish the story up...I think this was the last one, anyway. I kinda hope so lol. But also, this entire series was spent in one section of the world? Like we never went to the dark side of the world or whatever????

Basically, just stick to Brandon Sanderson’s books, because I think that’s where he shines. I really need to get back into them and remind myself of why I love him and his writing so much.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

White Sand Volume 3 is the third and final instalment in the White Sand trilogy. I flipped back and forth between rating Volume 3 four or five stars. After writing this review, I settled on four star.

The reason I rated Volume 3 four stars instead of five is that the story is tied up too quickly and conveniently. Though it leaves the door open for future stories, the political obstacles Kenton had to overcome were set up too high to be brought down that quickly believably.

However, I enjoyed the political obstacles Kenton had to overcome immensely. They were difficult and forced Kenton to think differently and grow as a character.

One of the reasons I enjoyed White Sand so much was seeing a new world in the Cosmere. Taldain is a tidally locked planet, meaning that half of the planet is constantly dark while the other light. I wish we could have explored more of the planet since we never see Dark Side, but because of the nature of the story and format there was no space or time for such exploration.

As for the artwork, it grew on me. When the art changed in the second volume, I was incredibly disappointed. However, in this volume I enjoyed its simplicity, especially in the action heavy scenes. I honestly forgot the artwork changed, even having reread it the day before.

Overall, White Sand is another great addition to Sanderson’s Cosmere. I hope we get more from this world in the future because there is still a lot to unpack.

[Rian *fire and books* · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is still just an okay series. I’m grateful we got a good artist to complete the series and it was nice to have some mysteries laid to bed. The downside is there’s a lot of stuff dropped in the ending so book 2 feels lacking in plot due to this.

It doesn’t dive into the cosmere, investiture, or anything that really screams “Brandon Sanderson” beyond the magic either. And while it’s obvious Kenton is the main character here, I wouldn’t be surprised if anyone else just considers this a backstory for Khriss.

As with any graphic novel finale, it was a mostly clean ending and decently wrapped up. (We’re just gonna ignore Arrik apparently?)


Overall the series is just average for me. The initial artwork and the choices they made with the first volume turned me off from buying it. I’ll consider buying an omnibus for the series... but I’m unlikely to pick this up again. It lost a lot of the humor of a BS work for me and it’s not something I’d be able to pick up and read anytime (see artwork volume one and most of 2).



And not to drive the point home further... this really does not introduce anything to the cosmere lexicon. It is very much a stand-alone series and I’d personally consider it to be cosmere adjacent more than anything. About the only thing you learn is sand magic can only be used on Dayside and Khriss’s backstory.

[Eli24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

این ولوم در کل به نسبت دوتا قبلی خیلی بهتر بود ولی اخرش چندتا سوال کوچیک بی جواب برامون موند. نمیدونم سندرسون برنامه داره که باز از وایت سند و این سیاره بنویسه یا نه ولی امیدوارم که بنویسه چون تازه جادوی شن داشت خودشو پیدا میکرد🚶🏻‍♀️
از اونجایی که رو شخصیت کریش کراش زدم بازم میگم که کریس خیلی خوبه😁

پ.ن: این اتونومی دقیقا چه مرگشه؟ نمیفهمم🚶🏻‍♀️

[Marnie (Enchanted Bibliophile) · Rating 2 out of 5]

”You are striding atop a very thin wall, my friend. Loyalty is a difficult thing to divide.”



I’m still not sure how this fits into the Cosmere. Because that is the only reason that I kept reading these Graphic novels. It doesn’t seem to belong to the awesomeness that is Brandon Sanderson.

I’ve seen some people got the unpublished novel for White Sand, and that interest me much more than these Graphic novels. SO if anyone can tell me where I can find the novel?? I would love to see if my opinion of the story will change once I have a fuller view of everything.

[Matías Racedo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still firmly believe it would have been so much better to read this as a novel. I liked the story, there's a lot of potential here, it's just hard to compress that into the graphic format. I definitely want to know more about Taldain, and these characters, so I can't wait to read whatever Sanderson throw at as next haha.

[aria ✧ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm. Definitely Sanderson’s weakest series

[Marta Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've heard so much about this author and when given the opportunity to read this graphic novel I jumped at the chance to sample some of his work. I'm honestly disappointed as I just didn't really connect with any of the characters although I will admit its not the first instalment in this series so it's possible that affected my judgment. To be blunt I'd expected a lot more action. I do realise the plot of this book revolves around Kenton learning how to master his powers over sand but it's bogged down a lot by all the political machinations around him. I think I just found Kenton wanting and the only character I even half liked was Ais because she's capable and loyal.
As for the artwork I thought it was stylized and quite stark. It was colourful but at times I struggled to connect the dialogue with which character was saying it. That all having been said I thought the vibrant use of ochre tones went exceedingly well with this world with magic controlling sand.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Caleb M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐ overall

Listen, I love White Sand. Sure, this isn't Sanderson's typical format, and sure, the artist changed partway through. But story? And great characters? And twists and turns? This stuff is all here! I love how Taldain (the world here) has a lightside and a darkside. It's interesting and already creates a unique planet. Sand powers!? Oh yes please! And I'm pretty much a fan of every single character on this book! It was especially nice to get closer to princess Khrissala as she is the one who writes the Ars Arcanum in all the other Cosmere works.

My only complaint with this book (series) is that it ends in a spot where there is so much more to, obviously, tell! I don't want to spoil anything but it really felt like we were just getting started in Taldain!

So pleeeaaassee! Sanderson, pleeeaaassee, I need more White Sand/Taldain books.

If you like Sanderson read these. Go in knowing it a different format. Go in knowing the artist changes partway through. And then just sit back and enjoy this awesome world with it's awesome characters.

[Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t know if this was badly adapted or if Sanderson’s work doesn’t translate well to this format but this series has been disappointing. It’s not terrible but it’s not half as good as I was expecting it to be.

Sanderson’s books are packed with imagination, style and character – White Sands feels lacklustre in comparison. As the final volume in the series it tied everything up and parts of it were entertaining, but overall it wasn’t particularly engaging and the pacing was off. It’s a shame as there are some great ideas here!

I probably wouldn’t recommend this unless you’re a die-hard Sanderson fan.

Thanks to Netgalley and Dynamite for providing this book in return for an honest review.

[John Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out the cover of White Sand, Volume 3 by Brandon Sanderson:



White Sand, Volume 3 by Brandon Sanderson will be released on June 25, 2019.

[Jay Targaryen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 5/10


White Sand: Volume 3 is the best volume of the series. There were some great twists and revelations, some were predictable and some I completely didn't see coming. This volume also answers all lingering questions and wraps up the series in a nice way. White Sand is easily the weakest of Brandon Sanderson's works, but I at least had some fun with this last volume.



Image: Kenton and Khriss


[Pros]:

-Great twists and revelations

-Nice conclusion and wrap-up of the series


[Cons]:

-Cringy dialogue

-Not that engaging of a story


*My Rating System*

5 Stars (9-10): Amazing
4 Stars (7-9): Really Good to Great
3 Stars (5-7): Average to Good
2 Stars (3-5): Bad to Mediocre
1 Star (1-3): Terrible

[Cami L. González · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admito que ya para el tercer volumen estaba metida en la historia y me preocupaba por sus personajes. No tanto como con otros, pero aún así. En especial Khriss que ahora puedo ver su aporte al Cosmere (me gusta, al fin, después de tanto tiempo estar viendo las conexiones).

Entiendo que Sanderson sacara esta historia en novela gráfica porque así seguía avanzando en la construcción del Cosmere sin requerir tanto trabajo con nuevos libros, pues la historia la tenía escrita. Según entiendo, la segunda versión es su octavo libro. Así que no tengo quejas al respecto, además, poder entender el uso de la arena en batalla fue mucho más cómodo y sencillo con los dibujos.

Ya con eso dicho, repetiré que los personajes tardaron en encariñarme. Leí el prólogo y el primer capítulo tipo novela del Arcanum y confirma mi idea de que así hubiera sido mejor, pero como dije antes, lo entiendo. De todos modos, para el final me cayeron mejor y disfruté mucho más de la historia y los hilos. Aunque varios quedaron bastante abiertos como Aarik, que quizá no comprendí del todo, sí entendí lo que sucedió con él, pero no lo comprendí. O con Ais y toda su duda espiritual. Quedó bastante abierto para el futuro.

Al final lo que más rescato de las novelas fue haber conocido a Duchess Khrissalla, poder hacer la conexión con otros relatos y con el mismo Arcanum. Me gustó mucho como personaje, más que el mismo Kenton que quizá caía más en lo típico del héroe.

[Shelby M. (Read and Find Out) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall rating: 2 stars

Style/writing: 3 stars
Themes: 2.5 stars
Characters: 2 stars
Plot: 1 star
Worldbuilding: 3 stars
Art: 1 star

[Dylan · Rating 1 out of 5]

( this is non spoiler review for 3 volumes … as it seem more fitting to review it in volume 3).



Introduction



The basis of this review would be the Graphic Audio Production and not the comic. Though I utilised it as a companion piece rather than the main way to engage the story. Mistborn trilogy, the two Stormlight Archive and Warbreaker productions were far superior to this production. Additionally, they were no real mismatch voice in that production that I felt compared to this one. It's hard to assess writing when u have no real prose version to read upon as their draft that Sanderson wrote years ago with numerous differences and the comic. In terms of experiencing the main story of white sand, this is the best way to go in all honesty. Because it utilises both prose version and the comic … so they are far more content. Example in total its 15hr listen for only 3 graphic novels.


Writing and General thoughts



This is not a straight-up bad novel this is just a below-average fantasy book. My previous read of Sanderson was Words of Radiance its impressive to see how much better he has become. Originally this was going to be a 5/10 not great not bad just average it’s a decent fantasy book I would recommend to kill some time. However, what made me drop this lower is how the two twists were handled. How it was dealt with was cheap and kind of lazy the keyword would probably be anticlimactic. This is regarding build-up to Sharezan and he is dealt with is anticlimactic. He felt like a moustache-twirling villain. With the whole monologuing his whole plan, giving her time to escape to increase the “torture” … only to be dealt with kinda instantaneously by Keaton. I thought he would be a cleverer force, but meh is what I would call him, and he was one central focus upon this novel (yes, I know not really a novel but …). The other I didn’t like was Elorin poisoning all the people and he was the “brilliant “mastermind of it all. Forgetting it seemed obvious, that was a lot of build-up and just ends like that we such a loose explanation as that. In one hand it answers questions too quickly on the other asks too many that the inventible sequel might answer. The prose is Sanderson worst just because this was written 1999 and it was a large basis the Graphic Audio production, used when developing the script.



Characters



Kenton has to the blandest Sanderson protagonist I’ve ever read. The dude is painfully generic … like he can route for him because he the lead but barely has that much depth. It's still passable 1999 Sanderson is still Sanderson, so you do care somewhat.



Khris honestly is better than Keaton she has a lot of personalities though she doesn’t have that much depth either. I think VA kinda played her up a bit and the dialogue, in general, wasn’t the best.


Overall, the characters are fine … they not terrible some of them are mediocre but it’s not downright bad. I think it's serviceable enough for you to be compelled reading (listening) forward. They some neat politics they can involve in which kinda fun to read. Especially a certain drunk, which it seemed Sanderson was having a lot of fun writing him and though that aspect was handled well.


Magic/ Worldbuilding


Honestly, this must be Sanderson worst Magic system. Ribbon and Sand … like yeah not really that creative. Compared to Colours, Alomancy, the SA magic system. It’s not that great in all honesty though it’s not bad as it sounds, how it execute was solid. The worldbuilding to give it some credit decent, pretty much Sanderson biggest asset. They some aspects of the world I am quite fascinated about especially Darkside which will most likely be explored in the sequel whenever that is a thing. The religious aspect was kind of interesting but didn’t really dive deep enough in all honesty.


Conclusion


This is a short review because I do not want to spend time on it. If you’re a Cosmere nut this is a must because they world hopper that appears in other books. However, in general, it's pretty below average. If you want to experience this series just listen to the Graphic Audio because if u were judging this as a comic this would far lower, I would honestly state its bad. Poor use of its medium it’s a 3-volume series that should have been 6-9. I don’t outright regret my decision as it does apart of the Cosmere so it’s probably some payoff for reading this lol.


change this into a 2 - 2.5 /10 it honestly worse more i think about it